Can someone please tell me exaclty what RN's do?

[tamarin100]

Hey girls and guys. I am a career changer, already have a 4 year degree in business, looking to get my BSN and my RN (maybe). Can some of the RN's out there specifically tell me what they do during they day? I have heard mixed results on what RN's acutually do during the day and i am starting to steer away from the field. I dont feel like going through 3 more years of school if i have to empty bedpans and colostomy bags all the time, do RN's have to do this stuff? I really like helping people and i love medicine but i dont think i can do that all the time.

I am havent shadowed an RN yet because of HIPPA rules and i dont think i would actually get a good idea of what they do anyways for that reason. There is a level one trauma teaching hospital here in my town im interested in but what would an RN in say the ICU or maybe even med/surg do during the day? Be specific as possible if you could. I greatly appreciate the help. thank you.

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

OP? Are you out there?

Have you noted these honest replies?

Have you any response(s)?

It would be nice to have him or her come and post a message so we know he didn't die over the weekend.

[piratemum]

Hi there, I too am considering going to nursing school and have similiar concerns.

I job shadowed and did not see nurses doing baths or personal care. I did see them emptying bed pans and evaluating color etc.. They have to document ins and outs so how else would they know if they aren't the one seeing it?

I didn't see anything "TV worthy", just normal hanging IVs, pt assessments, passing meds, documentation etc.. But I know [because I've spent A LOT of time in hospitals] that things do get exciting from time to time.

I have an MBA and many years experience in the business world. Exciting projects, conference calls, customer issues and lots [like over 100 a day] of emails to read and respond to.

I have no idea yet if I'll truly pursue nursing as its such a huge change for me. it not that I don't care about people or feel that the yukky stuff is beneath me. Its just so different that I have to be realistic with myself.

PLEASE get a job shadow somewhere before going to nursing school. And meet with the nursing school advisor. They can help you too.

[scared'o'needles!]

An easier question to answer is what exactly RN's don't do....we clean, cater, counsel and care for pt's (both clinical and personal care). Our job description goes on forever.

Good luck if you go for it:-)

[~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN]

I'm really fed up with people like you deciding that MAYBE you want this profession, but then don't want to do any of the work required.

There is NOTHING to me that is anymore rewarding then doing some of these types of jobs for a patient. These are the things that we do for a pt. that help to make then feel better. here they are, so embarassed about soiling or b/c they can't do something for themselves, & it's an opportunity to make them feel more relaxed, increase there feeling of well-being & there feeling of worthiness. Plus, it gives me a way to assess there entire body & mind. I can do teaching at this time while I work, or evaluate their mental status by how they carry on a conversation.

No, with you're attitude, stay away.

Posts like this are so unnecessary. I don't understand why some have such a hard time realizing that a job of a nurse is NOT for everyone. It doesn't make them bad people. This poster is trying to get insight before making a decision which is a SMART thing to do. Not everyone can stomach poop, pee, vomit and so on. They shouldn't be belittled for it. They were not rude or belittling in their post. They never once said they were above changing a bed pan or a colostomy bag, they asked if that would be ALL they are doing. As in, "I can handle doing the less appealing things but is their more nurses do besides just this?" There is so much I didn't know in what I will be doing when I become an RN that I have learned from reading this boards. I am confident I will be able to handle all of it. Others might not be and I don't fault them for it. I can't think of a better place on the net to ask a question like this. Here you can get a whole spectrum of answers and opinions. I am tired of seeing people jumped on for trying to find out all they can before making a decision, it's not supportive nor helpful. :twocents:

[showbizrn]

I hate to be negative

you might want the RN

but you're not sure.

But to make-it as a nurse

it takes much more.

Persevering through

long hours,

crazy days,

few thank-you's

but some of us will say,

Nurturing

Understanding

Respect

Sentiment

Empathy

All make-up a safe and prudent nurse.

You might consider another profession.

[leslie :-D]

I hate to be negative

you might want the RN

but you're not sure.

But to make-it as a nurse

it takes much more.

Persevering through

long hours,

crazy days,

few thank-you's

but some of us will say,

Nurturing

Understanding

Respect

Sentiment

Empathy

All make-up a safe and prudent nurse.

You might consider another profession.

(((showbiz)))...sooooo glad to hear from you.

hope life is treating you well.

would love to see you posting more.:redpinkhe

leslie

[Virgo_RN, BSN, RN]

The question is, what is it that RNs *don't* do?